What type of information is acceptable to authenticate a guardian to a minor's account?

The correct choice for authenticating a guardian to a minor's account is based on the need for information that can effectively confirm the identity of the individual while maintaining a level of privacy and security for both the minor and the guardian. Zip code or phone number is often acceptable because it can provide specific, verifiable information that is more challenging to guess or fabricate than some other personal details.

Using a zip code can confirm locale, while a phone number can be tied directly to the individual and is often associated with account recovery or account management processes. This type of information is less sensitive than Social Security Numbers or home addresses and adheres to privacy standards designed to protect individuals, especially minors, from identity theft or unauthorized access.

While other options like Social Security Number and home address might provide a high level of confirmation of identity, they also present significant privacy risks and are generally not recommended for authentication in less secure contexts. In contrast, phone numbers and zip codes are commonly used in customer service settings as an initial step for identity verification while still being relatively safe.